Clamp for a weightlifting bar

ABSTRACT

A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section; a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section; a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and, a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to clamps for gripping objects, such as tubular-shaped bars. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to clamps which can be locked into a singular fixed position and unlocked for repositioning or removal.

BACKGROUND

Various forms of clamps exist for gripping different surfaces or objects. One clamp, sold under the brand name VICE-GRIP™, provides for a locking and unlocking mechanism using a lever. There are also various types of clamps or gripping devices used to grasp a bar, such as a weightlifting bar, to prevent objects slidingly mounted on the bar from moving. Such bar gripping devices often require the use of two hands to lock, unlock and reposition the device. During a weightlifting exercise regimen a lifter frequently needs to add or remove weights to or from the bar. It would be desirable to have a locking clamp operable using just one hand.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section; b) a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section; c) a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and, d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a notch formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a first insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) a curved latch having a notch formed therein and extending from said first handle, and, v) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, iii) a second insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, v) a pintle extending from said second handle; c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking lever having i) a first portion including a curved end, said curved end dimensioned to be in a sliding relationship with respect to said pintle during operation, ii) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch and said notch, iii) a second portion depressible by a user to unlock said latch from said locking lever; and, a spring associated with said second handle and contacting said locking lever first portion for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.

A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch extending from said first handle and having an aperture formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a press plate section, (2) an angled section, (3) a fulcrum section having a pivot mechanism, and (4) an angled pin section at least a portion of which can engage said aperture in said curved latch, iii) a base member having a pivot mechanism which pivotably engages said pivot mechanism of said fulcrum section, a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position whereby said locking lever can pivot so that said angled pin section engages said aperture in said curved latch so as to maintain said first jaw and said second jaw in a fixed relationship.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure provides a clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a stud extending from said curved latch, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion having a projection, and (4) a third portion for pivoting said locking lever, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.

Other features will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of several exemplary embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a clamp according to a first exemplary embodiment in the locked position and engaging a weightlifting bar.

FIG. 2 is a exploded schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2, showing the clamp with the jaws open.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2, showing the clamp with the jaws closed.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a first variation of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a clamp suitable for clamping to a bar having a square cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a second variation of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a clamp suitable for clamping to a bar having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a third variation of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a clamp suitable for clamping to a bar having a triangular cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention incorporating a lever locking mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the second exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 showing a detail of the lever locking mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the second exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 showing a detail of the lever locking mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention incorporating a spring locking mechanism with a fixed pin.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the third exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the third exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The clamp as described herein may be used to securely grip a bar 5, such as a conventional weightlifting bar, which may hold a number of weights 7, as shown in FIG. 1. Such bars typically have one of two different diameters (known as regular and Olympic), but, bars or other shapes of various diameters are able to be gripped by the clamps of the exemplified embodiments described herein. In one exemplary embodiment of a clamp, shown in FIGS. 2-4, a clamp 10 generally comprises a first handle 12, a second handle 14, a pin 16 and a locking mechanism 18. The clamp 10 may be made of any generally rigid, durable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, ceramic, alloy, composite, wood, combinations thereof, and the like.

The first handle 12 has a hand gripping section 20, a middle section 22 and a curved clamping section or jaw 24. The clamping section 24 has a recessed portion 26 which can accommodate an insert 28 having a gripping surface 27. The insert 28 preferably has at least one, and, preferably, a plurality of wedge-shaped protrusions 29 can snap fit into the recessed portion 26. The first handle 12 also has a finger or latch 30, which is preferably curved. The finger 30 is shown as having a generally rectangular cross-section, but, alternatively can have a circular, square, elliptical or other cross-sectional shape. The finger 30 has a notch 31. The notch 31 can be an angled cutout or may be curved, channeled or other shape. A sleeve or bearing 32 extends from the middle section 22 and has a bore 34. The clamping section 24 has an interior wall 36 and an exterior wall 38.

The second handle 14 has a hand gripping section 40, a middle section 42 and a curved clamping section 44. The clamping section 44 has a recessed portion 46 which can accommodate an insert 48 having a gripping surface 47, and having wedge-shaped protrusion(s) 29 similar to those part of the insert 28. The clamping section 44 also has an interior wall 50 and an exterior wall 52.

The inserts 28 and 48 may be made of or incorporate a cushioned, compressible, deformable, rubber-like, tacky, roughened surface or other material which can grip the bar 5. The inserts 24 and 28 may snap-fit into the recessed area of the clamping sections 24, 44, respectively. Alternatively, the inserts 24 and 28 may be affixed by adhesive into the recessed areas 26 and 46.

Referring to FIG. 2, the second handle 14 has a bore 60 passing through the middle section 42 and which accommodates the sleeve 32. The pin 16 (which could alternatively be a bolt or screw) has a head 62 and a shaft 64. The sleeve 32 fits in the bore 60 and the pin shaft 62 fits at least partially within the bore, such as by pressure fit, adhesive, threads, a nut (not shown) or the like, to maintain the first handle 12 in a pivotable relationship with the second handle 14. The second handle also has a tab or pintle 70 extending from the outside portion of the middle section 42. The tab 70 may have a notch 72 and a lip 74. The tab 70 also may have a pin portion 76. A spring 78 or other resilient member (e.g., rubber, foam, padding, thin plate, or the like) can be partially accommodated within a recess 79 in the gripping section 40. Alternatively, the spring 79 may be attached or associated with the second handle 14 by fitting over a protrusion (not shown) extending from the handle 14.

A locking lever 80 has a first portion 82, a second portion 84, a first end 86 and a second end 88. The second portion 84 includes a slot 90. The slot 90 is show as generally rectangular, but can alternatively be circular, elliptical, square or other shape. The slot 90 can slidingly accommodate the finger 30 when assembled. The notch 31 can engage with the slot 90 to lock the finger 30 in a fixed position and, accordingly, lock the clamp 10 in a gripping position. It is to be understood that the clamping sections 24 and 44, which are shown as curved so as to be able to grip a tubular-shaped bar, can have a different shape to grip other geometric surfaces. For example, the clamping sections 24 and 44 can have a shape that when in the clamped position form a square, rectangle, triangle, ellipse, hexagon, or other regular or irregular shape to accommodate a bar or other structure shape. Several possible configurations are shown in FIGS. 4-6 where the clamping sections 24 and 44 have interior walls 36, 50 with different shapes. FIGS. 4-5 show variations in which the exterior walls 38, 52 of the clamping sections 24 and 44 have a generally curved shape. FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the exterior walls 36, 50 have the same general shape as the interior walls 36, 50.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B, the clamp may be operated by positioning the clamping sections 24, 44 around a portion of a bar or pipe. A user grasps the gripping portions 20, 40 and squeezes the two portions toward each other. The finger 30 slides within the slot 90 of the lever 80 until the notch 31 engages the edge of the slot 90, as shown in FIG. 3B. The spring 78 biases the lever 80 to remain in position and to continue to engage the notch 31 by having one end of the spring 78 abut the lever 80 and the other end reside within the recess 79. The second end 88 of the lever 80 engages the lip 74 and the notch 72 of the tab 70. In this clamped position the first portion 86 of the lever 80 is biased away from the second handle 14 gripping portion 40. The clamp 10 may be disengaged from the bar by pressing the lever 80 to urge the first portion 82 toward the gripping section 40 of the second handle 14. This causes the lever 80 to pivot and the edge of the slot 90 to disengage from the notch 31.

While a bar 5 can be gripped by the clamp 5 as described hereinabove by the gripping surfaces 27 and 47, the clamp in the embodiments described in the present disclosure may also or alternatively grip an object by clamping section tips 92 and 94 (see FIG. 2).

FIGS. 7-9 show a clamp 100 in a second exemplary embodiment in which basic components illustrated are as those described hereinabove are incorporated, but with the finger 30 and locking mechanism composed as follows.

The clamp 100 has a finger 102 associated with the first handle 12. The finger 102 has an aperture 104 (shown in FIG. 8). The clamping mechanism comprises a second lever 110 having a press plate section 112, a middle section 114, and a pin section 116. The middle section 114 has an aperture 118 which accommodates a pivot pin 120. A base member 122 is attached to the second end 88 of the lever 80. In this embodiment the lever 80 and tab 70 are may be eliminated.

When the clamp 100 is engaged (as shown in FIG. 7) and the finger 102 is engaged within the slot 90 in the lever 80, the pin section 116 is urged by the biasing action of a spring 124 or other resilient member (e.g., rubber, foam, padding, thin plate, or the like) into the aperture 104 so as to hold the finger 30 in a fixed relation to the second lever 110 and, accordingly, the handles 12 and 14 in a gripping relationship around the bar. To disengage the clamp 100 the user presses the press plate section 112, which causes the second lever 110 to pivot about the pivot pin 120 and to lift the pin section 116 out of the aperture 104, thereby allowing the finger 102 to move and the handles 12, 14 to separate.

FIGS. 10-12 show a clamp 200 in a third exemplary embodiment in which the same basic components describes hereinabove (with respect to FIGS. 1-6) are incorporated, but with the finger 30 and locking mechanism being composed as follows.

A lever 202 comprises a first portion 204 having a first end 205 and a second portion 206. The second portion 206 has a protrusion 208 defining a notch or recessed area 210. The second portion 206 terminates in a second end 212, which is preferably curved. A finger 214 has an orthogonally projecting pin or stud 220. The stud 220 can be on one side of the finger 214, or, alternatively, can be on both sides of the finger 214. Similarly, the protrusion 208 can be on one side or extend across the entire width of the lever 204. A tab or pintle 70 extends from the second handle 14. A spring 78 can be partially located within a recess 79 or otherwise associated with the handle 14 as described hereinabove (see FIG. 1).

The clamp 200 may be operated as follows. The lever 202 is initially in the unlocked position, shown in FIG. 10 by the letter “A”. The lever 203 is in the locked position as shown by the lever noted by the letter “B”. In the locked, engaged position the handles 12, 14 are closed and the second end 212 of the lever 202 engages the tab 70 as described hereinabove with respect to the first exemplary embodiment. The lever 202 pivots around the pin 220. When the clamp 200 is to be disengaged, the user presses the first portion 204 of the lever 202 and the second end 212 disengages from the tab 70. Notch 210 disengages from the pin 220 and, simultaneously, the second end 212 pushes against the tab 70 in the opposite direction causing first handle 12 and second handle 14 to separate and open.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. It should further be noted that any patents, applications and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

1. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising: a) a first handle having a first jaw including a first gripping section; b) a second handle having a second jaw including a second gripping section; c) a pin associated with said first handle and pivotably engaging an aperture in said second handle; and, d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a notch formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and iv) a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
 2. The clamp of claim 1, further comprising a retaining member comprising a pin and a head for maintaining said first handle pin in a pivotable relationship with said second handle.
 3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said resilient member comprises a spring.
 4. The clamp of claim 3, wherein said spring is disposed at least partially within a recess defined in said second handle.
 5. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said
 6. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said lever engaging member comprises a post extending from said second handle and a pin extending from said post.
 7. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first jaw includes a flat portion at a distal end and said second jaw includes a flat portion at a distal end, said flat portions being able to grip an object.
 8. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally circular shape.
 9. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally square shape.
 10. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally hexagonal shape.
 11. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally triangular shape.
 12. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first and second gripping sections of said first and second jaws, when said clamp is in a closed position, form a generally polygonal shape.
 13. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising: a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a first insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) a curved latch having a notch formed therein and extending from said first handle, and, v) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, iii) a second insert associated with a portion of said jaw, iv) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, v) a pintle extending from said second handle; c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking lever having i) a first portion including a curved end, said curved end dimensioned to be in a sliding relationship with respect to said pintle during operation, ii) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch and said notch, iii) a second portion depressible by a user to unlock said latch from said locking lever; and, e) a spring associated with said second handle and contacting said locking lever first portion for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
 14. The device of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said insert comprises a compressible material.
 15. The device of claim 8, wherein said insert snap-fits to either said first handle or said second handle.
 16. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising: a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch extending from said first handle and having an aperture formed therein, ii) a locking lever having (1) a press plate section, (2) an angled section, (3) a fulcrum section having a pivot mechanism, and (4) an angled pin section at least a portion of which can engage said aperture in said curved latch, iii) a base member having a pivot mechanism which pivotably engages said pivot mechanism of said fulcrum section, iv) a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position whereby said locking lever can pivot so that said angled pin section engages said aperture in said curved latch so as to maintain said first jaw and said second jaw in a fixed relationship.
 17. The clamp of claim 16, further comprising a first insert associated with a portion of said first jaw and a second insert associated with a portion of said second jaw.
 18. A clamp for lockingly and releasably gripping an object, comprising: a) a first handle comprising, i) a first grasping portion, ii) a first jaw, iii) a bearing having an aperture defined therein extending from said first handle; b) a second handle comprising i) a second grasping portion, ii) a second jaw, and iii) an aperture for pivotably receiving said bearing, and, c) a pin having a shaft and a head, said shaft being dimensioned to be receivable within said aperture bearing and maintainable therein so as to maintain said first handle and said second handle in a pivoting relationship; d) a locking mechanism for maintaining said clamp in either in a closed position while engaging said object or an open position, said locking mechanism comprising i) a curved latch associated with and extending from said first handle and having a stud extending from said curved latch, ii) a locking lever having (1) a first portion having a curved end, (2) a slot formed in said first portion dimensioned to slidingly receive said curved latch, and (3) a second portion having a projection, and (4) a third portion for pivoting said locking lever, iii) a lever engaging member extending from said second handle for engaging said curved end of said locking lever, and iv) a resilient member for biasing said locking lever in a first position while allowing movement into a second position.
 19. The clamp of claim 18, further comprising a first insert associated with a portion of said first jaw and a second insert associated with a portion of said second jaw.
 20. The clamp of claim 18, wherein said first jaw has a first gripping section and said second jaw has a second gripping section, such that, when said clamp is in a closed position, said first and second gripping sections form a generally polygonal shape. 